“New York is a logical early market for the THINK City in the U.S.,” said THINK CEO Richard Canny. “New York ranked third on our EV-Ready Cities Index based on the great fit of EVs to city driving and the strength of state and local government support.”
Today, New York City officials and several New York fleet operators got their first look at the new THINK City vehicle at a drive event on Pier 7 in Brooklyn. The event gave city officials a chance to test drive the zero-emission electric car. The sophisticated lithium-ion battery system that gives the car its range and reliability is made in the U.S. by New York’s own Ener1, Inc., one of the city’s leading clean technology companies.
“Use of EVs will provide a clean, cost effective alternative to the use of gasoline powered light-duty vehicles by public and private fleets,” said Christina Ficicchia Executive Director of the New York City Lower Hudson Valley Clean Communities. “We are excited to work with THINK North America, a U.S.-based manufacturer of electric vehicles; and support incentives for clean transportation.”
A company representative drove a THINK City electric car inside a sealed plastic bubble today in Brooklyn to underscore its pristine operations as a truly zero emission vehicle.
"Don’t try doing that with a conventional vehicle," said Canny, alluding to tailpipe pollutants that would quickly make the air inside the bubble dangerously unhealthy. "THINK City will be a perfect replacement for any number of vehicles the city uses – helping to ensure the air is clean for city residents and workers alike."
New York was tied with Chicago in the EV Ready-City Index released by THINK in January. THINK developed the index to measure which markets are most likely to begin and benefit from the transition to electric vehicles.
New Yorkers can see the THINK City in the EV Pavilion at the New York International Auto Show at the Javits Center April 2-11.
THINK City is a purpose-built, all-electric car designed for urban environments. It is capable of highway speeds and can travel more than 100 miles on a single charge with zero local emissions. THINK City is currently in production in Finland and sold in select European markets. The company recently announced plans to begin manufacturing the electric cars THINK City in Elkhart, Ind. beginning in early 2011.
PlaNYC, the City’s comprehensive sustainability plan, established an aggressive strategy to reduce the City’s greenhouse gas emissions in 2030 by 30 percent from 2005 levels. As part of that overall goal, transportation emissions, which currently account for 22 percent of New York City’s total greenhouse gas emissions, would be reduced by 44 percent by 2030.
Electric vehicles are an excellent strategy for both the City fleets and the private vehicles operating within the City’s borders.
THINK is a pioneer in electric vehicles and a leader in electric vehicle technology, developed and proven over 19 years. It is one of the few companies that are currently producing highway-ready, fully electric vehicles for sale – the THINK City. THINK is also a leader in electric drive-system technology, and was the first to offer a modular and flexible EV drive-train solution in the business-to-business sector. With its Scandinavian origins and sustainability mindset, THINK is one of the most carbon efficient car companies in the world.
THINK has established a U.S. subsidiary – THINK North America, a stand-alone business that will include manufacturing, product development, sales and distribution.
